WAAN is the brainchild of saxophonist Bart Wirtz and keyboardist Emiel van Rijthoven. Together with bassist Matteo Mazzù and drummer Mark Schilders, they shape a sound that blurs the lines between electronic and acoustic music, dancefloor energy and jazz improvisation. Since their debut, WAAN has become known for a raw, adventurous style – merging groove-based electronics, atmospheric melodies, and improvisational freedom. In the studio they work closely with producer Oscar de Jong (Kraak & Smaak).

Their debut album Echo Echo (Sonar Kollektiv, 2023) received international acclaim, two Edison Jazz Award nominations, and airplay on BBC shows hosted by Jamie Cullum. The album led to an extensive tour of festivals and venues including Paradiso, Bimhuis, Transition, So What’s Next, Amersfoort Jazz, RAUW, InJazz, Eurosonic, Jazzahead and more. Now WAAN is preparing for their second album, due January 23, 2026 on Sonar Kollektiv. With We Want WAAN, the quartet expands their sonic universe: bold, restless, and brimming with curiosity. It is music that speaks to both the body and the imagination – a call to listen, to move, and to experience the full spectrum of sound that WAAN continues to explore.